AFL clubs have made bold statements declaring Australia Day is not a day to celebrate

AFL clubs have made their thoughts on January 26 celebrations clear through social media posts which don’t mention the phrase Australia Day and instead call for inclusion, education and support for all peoples.

Clubs including powerhouses Essendon and Richmond posted messages preaching equity for all and acknowledging January 26 is a day “of pain and sadness for many”.

The bold messaging references the multitude of past and present First Nations peoples and the contribution they have made to the competition.

Brisbane Lions Indigenous star Nakia Cockatoo said it was important for people to “recognise what happened on January 26 is a very big part of our culture.”

Teammate Callum Ah Chee said all Indigenous people “want to celebrate this great country” but added his voice to the campaign to change the date of any national celebrations.

The messaging comes a day after AFL clubs celebrated the an agreement transferring copyright for the Aboriginal flag to the Commonwealth, making it free to use for all.